TACTICAL USE OF CAVALRY.
We shall consider—
- [—Its Formations.]
- [—Its Strong and its Weak Points.]
- [—How it is Posted.]
- [—Its Supports.]
- [—How it is Used.]
- [—How it Fights.]
- [—Its Charge.]
- [—Its Attack on Infantry.]
- [—General Remarks.]
I.—Its Formations.
1. The formations of cavalry for battle are either—
(1.) In deployed lines.
(2.) Lines of regiments, in columns of attack doubled on the centre.
(3.) A mixed formation of lines and columns.
(4.) Echelons of lines or columns; or—
(5.) Deep columns.
2. Deployed lines are not objectionable in principle. They are often not advisable; but are sometimes necessary.
But long, continuous lines should always be avoided; being unfavorable to rapid manœuvring, which cavalry is constantly called upon to execute in the field.
3. Cavalry has, in its horses, an unreasoning element, which is not controllable, like men; and is therefore much more easily thrown into disorder than infantry. For this reason, when deployed, it should always be in two lines; the second behind the first; the first line deployed, and the second in columns of squadrons by platoons. There should be also a reserve at a few hundred paces behind the second line.